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Businessmen's Club Report Brings Back Memories - Taken from 'The News' July 2012

The grateful father referred to in the Hayling Island Businessmen's Club Report (June Issue) in January 1965 was my dad, John Richards, who lived on the Island for most of his life. He, my mum Joyce, twin sister, Gail and elder sister Lesley moved to Hayling in 1963. We lived in St. Peters Avenue in Northney and went to school at Hayling Primary and then HavantGrammer, as it was then. Not long after we moved to the Island dad was diagnosed with bone cancer which resulted in the amputation of his left leg. Despite being disabled he eventually returned to work and lived a long and happy life, he passed away peacefully in Gorseway lodge in 2010 aged 81.

My sisters and I have many happy memories of growing up on Hayling and mum has never forgotten the kindness of people like Les Hedger who helped her and our family through these difficult times. She remembers the dress which was given to Lesley, a pretty little tartan number with a white collar, she recalls!! Mum now lives at Gorseway and myself and sisters are still regular visitors to the Island.

Thank you for publishing this article, it is a reminder of how close knit the Islanders are and how the memories live on.

kind regards

Alison Richardson
Woodlands AvenueFarnham

Members at the 2012 AGM

Members at the 2011 AGM

Club Members 2010

Club Report - November 2009 - Donations and News

£200 has been donated to Opensight toward the Christmas Lunch for the Blind on Hayling Island. £250 has also been given toward Hayling United Football Club.

The Annual Senior Citizen's Christmas Party will be held at Sinah Warren on Thursday 3rd December. The Club are grateful to the management at Sinah Warren for their co-operation in allowing us to use the venue and also for generously supplying the entertainment and refreshments.

The Annual Street collection in Mengham will be on the 23rd of December, so please give generously to help us keep the Mini Bus on the road for local charities to use.

Sadly our long running Cabaret night will not be held this year at the normal venue or in the normal format due to the lack of a free night at Sinah Warren, which even in this time of recession is fully booked. Good news for them but sadly difficult for us. Other fund raising events are being looked at so watch this space plus the Hayling Islander and Trader.

2008 Donations - 27th January 2009

Apart from the Mini Bus we also give generously to other local worthwhile causes. Below are the organisations or individuals we have helped during 2008. We can only continue with these donations if the local community support our Cabaret Night and Annual BBQ.

We also donated to the Scouts & St John’s Ambulance for their help at the Annual BBQ.

IZABELLE - 10th January 2009

Following Mum and Dad launching an appeal to send their blind baby daughter Izabelle to a hospital in China for a revolutionary treatment that only a handful of children have undergone to hopefully allow her to see for the first time, the Businessmen's Club have sent a donation of £400

News Round Up - 13th October 2008

The Hayling Island Businessmens Club have been busy giving away money from the profits of their successful Barbecue at Northney Farm in the summer.

Wally Egan, who sadly died last year was a founder member of the club and a fun loving, caring man who cared for the community and believed in youth’s future. We have initiated an annual prize in his memory at Hayling College to recognise individual effort and enterprise.This year the winner was Lisa Haines, who received the annual Rose Bowl and a cheque for £100 from Wally’s widow, Enid.

Further grants include;£400 to Street Sport to encourage children and youth to participate in sport.£250 for a sophisticated hearing aid for a Hayling College pupil.£250 to St Andrews Church Hall for a keyboard for Community use.£200 to Hayling Ladies Football club.£200 to Hayling Fencing club.£200 to Hayling Blind club towards their Annual Dinner

We also continue to support H.I.A.D’s by purchasing tickets and distribute them free to the elderly and deserving .

We have set the date for next years ABBA tribute dinner and dance at Sinah Warren on 19th April 2009 and the Northney Barbecue on July 11th 2009.

TOM O'CONNOR Cabaret - 9th February 2008

Tom O'Connor has been booked for this years Cabaret Night on the 13th April at Sinah Warren Hotel, Hayling Island. For full details visit our events section.

Stuart Raven2nd December 2007

It is with sadness that we have to report the death of our Mini Bus Chairman Stuart Raven. Stuart has served the club well for a number of years joining in 1977 and was our Chairman in 1990. His death was a shock to us all at the club and he will be sadly missed.

If you wish to make enquiries about using the Mini Bus please contact Meyrick Marston on 02392 468721.

Donations given by Club - 20th September 2007

1. Hayling United Ladies Football Club were given £100 to help with costs.

2. The Bridge Centre which provides help for the less fortunate and needy. Form filling advice etc. £100 given.

3. Gymnastic Club were given £305 to help train instructors.

4. Cricket Club, help with new nets. £500.

5. Hayling Voluntary Services which provides voluntary help to the needy such as transport etc. £250 given.

6. Boxing Club, who need help with maintaining the centre. £250 given.

Annual BBQ - 10th June 2007

The clubs annual BBQ is to be held again this year at Northney Farm, St Peter's Road, Hayling Island. Last year was our best ever and was sold out before the day. It was a bright sunny evening and many people who left it to the last minute were disappointed to miss this prestigous event. So put this date in your diary 14th July 2007. Click on events for ticket details.

This year we have booked INFANTASIA (http://www.infantasia.net/ ) who are a dynamic tribute show that accurately recreate the greatest rock and pop legends of past and present. Why have a tribute to just one artiste when you can have them all. The award winning production has been musically arranged and choreographed complete with slick costume changes from start to finish, portraying songs and medleys by such artistes as Robbie Williams, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Cher, Queen, Britney Spears, Madness, Abba, Craig David, Shania Twain, Prince and Grease the musical to name but a few. There is enough variety in this non-stop high energy show to satisfy even th most discerning of audiences, no matter what the age group.

Infantasia are a major attraction at the best cabaret clubs, theatres, holiday centres, corporate events, hotels and private functions, with clients such as First Leisure, Haven, British Holidays, Brannigans, Pontins, Marriott, Hilton, Jumpin Jacks, Chicago Rock Café and West End studios.

This unique show is fully self-contained with an impeccable sound system and breathtaking lighting rig, which adds the finishing touch to this class act.

An absolute must for top quality Live entertainment ...

Supporting Infantasia will be Malcolm Drew and his disco. Malcolm is rightly recognised as one of the best DJ's in the Portsmouth area proving his worth at our BBQ at Northney Farm. On top of this you will be served a three course carvery meal included in the price.

Ticket prices are £26.00 and can be purchased at Millers the Estate Agents in Mengham, Tel: 02392465951, Belmont Hairdressers, West Town Tel: 02392468721 or contact any club member or me Andy lenaghan on 02392 467469.

Senior citizens Xmas Party 06 - 1st February 2007

A Christmas party was held at Sinah Warren Hotel for 220 Senior Citizens. Entertainment was provided by the resident entertainers who provided a spectactular Christmas Show. They were supported by the Hayling College Choir who sang whilst the guests were served tea and cakes by Club members. The Chairman of the club Meyrick Marston, was delighted with the success of the afternoon and thanked everyone who took part, especially the management and entertainment team from Sinah Warren for their generosity in supporting the event. At the end of the show all the guest were given a Christmas present.

Street Collection - 1st February 2007

During December the annual street collection raised £528 which will go to support the running of the Community Bus. Residents especially the elderly do appreciate the Community Bus and respond by giving so generously. If you wish to use the Bus please do not hesitate to contact Raven Estates who will consider your application. (go to contacts page)

Annual General Meeting - 1st February 2007

The AGM was held on the 16th January 2007 at Seacourt Tennis Club. Meyrick Marston our current Chairman opened the meeting and thanked members for the support given to him during his time in the Chair. All officers presented their reports which were accepted. The election of officers then took place and AkselArnecke was elected as Chairman for the year. Alan Goodwin was elected Vice Chiarman. Meyrick Marston was expecting a slight relief this year after being in the Chair, but due to circumstances was elected to take up the mantle of Fund Raising Chairman again. Phil Gooch was elected Treasurer with all other officers being as at present.

Steve Barrett won the Doug Broughton cup for exceptional service to the club last year and Roy Pine won the wooden spoon as the biggest stirrer.

At the close the Chairman thanked all those who voted for him and was looking forward to his year in the Chair. Aksel who has been a member for two years is our first foreign Chairman. Aksel comes from Norway and is a Management Consultant.

Tribute Night - 1st December 2006

This year we have booked INFANTASIA (http://www.infantasia.net/ ) who are a dynamic tribute show that accurately recreate the greatest rock and pop legends of past and present. Why have a tribute to just one artiste when you can have them all. The award winning production has been musically arranged and choreographed complete with slick costume changes from start to finish, portraying songs and medleys by such artistes as Robbie Williams, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Cher, Queen, Britney Spears, Madness, Abba, Craig David, Shania Twain, Prince and Grease the musical to name but a few. There is enough variety in this non-stop high energy show to satisfy even th most discerning of audiences, no matter what the age group.

Infantasia are a major attraction at the best cabaret clubs, theatres, holiday centres, corporate events, hotels and private functions, with clients such as First Leisure, Haven, British Holidays, Brannigans, Pontins, Marriott, Hilton, Jumpin Jacks, Chicago Rock Café and West End studios.

This unique show is fully self-contained with an impeccable sound system and breathtaking lighting rig, which adds the finishing touch to this class act.

An absolute must for top quality Live entertainment ...

Supporting Infantasia will be Malcolm Drew and his disco. Malcolm is rightly recognised as one of the best DJ's in the Portsmouth area proving his worth at our BBQ at Northney Farm. On top of this you will be served a three course carvery meal included in the price.

Ticket prices are £26.00 and can be purchased at Millers the Estate Agents in Mengham, Tel: 02392465951, Belmont Hairdressers, West Town Tel: 02392468721 or contact any club member or me Andy lenaghan on 02392 467469.

Blind Club - 18th October 2006

At the clubs last meeting they agreed to give the Hayling Island Blind Club £200 towards it's annual Christmas Dinner. This is a worthwhile cause and supported by the club every year

Donations to good causes - 11th September 2006

The club have recently given donations of £500 each to the Hayling Island Community Centre and the British Red Cross. The Community Centre need to replace the stage lighting which has come to the end of it's useful life. We were glad to be able to help this band of volunteers who raise nearly all their own funding.

The Red Cross have had to move the equipment store from the Health Centre due to them requiring the extra space. This left the Red Cross needing a new store for which they have been raising funds. The HIBC were glad to help this good cause and donated £500.

Annual BBQ - 17th July 2006

Almost 500 people enjoyed a great evening at the Annual BBQ held at Northney Farm. It was a warm night with plenty to eat and good entertainment and music for the guests. A profit in excess of £5500 was made which will go toward the next mini bus purchase and other deserving local good causes. The Chairman would like to thank everyone who made the evening such a success and to say sorry to those unable to get tickets, which is down to new licencing laws as this restricts us to 499 people attending. Ensure you get tickets for next year by booking early.

New Mini-Bus in Use - 21st May 2006

Hayling Island Businessmen’s Club has now taken delivery of its new mini bus. It had its first run today taking local senior citizens to St Mary’s Church. The bus is provided free of charge for local charities and non-profit organisations to use in transporting those in need, or the less mobile around. Examples of users are Age Concern, Churches, Schools, Sports Clubs etc. Anyone can apply to use the Bus subject to being able to provide a MIDAS qualified driver, who the club can even put through the test for you at a reasonable cost. Any one interested in using please apply at Raven Estates in Mengham.

The Club has been going for 40 years now providing this transport facility for which all money is raised through our annual Cabaret Night at Sinah and BBQ at Northney Farm, so please support our fund raising and try and attend our BBQ on July 8th this year at the Farm. Tickets are only £14.00 including all food.
Please telephone Andy Lenaghan 02392 467469 or visit Belmont Hairdressers in West Town or Millers Estate Agent in Mengham.

Hayling Health Centre - 2nd April 2006

The Club have contributed £1500 to provide a Defibrillator for the Hayling Island Health Centre. This is our contribution to the fund raising started by John Clayton of Bishops Printers in association with the Paris to Hayling bike road. "This equipment will hopefully save the lives of many Islanders over the coming years and, we are delighted to have supported this initiative" said Club Chairman Meyrick Marston. A presentation of the equipment took place on Friday the 7th April 2005 at the Health Centre.

St Peters Church - 2nd April 2006

The club are delighted the refurbishment has now been completed of the internal walls of St Peter's Church. The club received a request for help with the funding and, we were only to pleased to help keep this wonderful church in a condition worthy of its historical importance to Hayling. A service was held on Sunday the 23rd April to commemorate the completion of the work. Club Chairman Meyrick Marston and Secretary Andy Lenaghan attended as representatives of the club.

Street Collection - 10th February 2006

The Clubs annual street collection was a tremendous success last December with £545 being collected. The club would like to thank everyone who gave so generously to support the aims of the Club, which is to continue to run the Mini-Bus for local organisations and charities to use. We believe this generosity is a measure of gratitude and support for the Community Bus. Please contact our Bus Chairman if you wish to enquire as to its availability or being MIDAS tested which we can arrange. See contacts page.

New Chairman -2nd February 2006

Past Chairman Jeff Douglas hands over to new Chairman Meyrick Marston at the AGM of the club held in January 2006

HIBCSupport Local Pantomime - 1st February 2006

HIBC have donated £250 to Aaron Steadman of Hayling Island and Hayling College. Aaron formed Action Productions and for his next show is producing the pantomime Cinderella.

Aaron was turned down by the lottery for a grant and has had to raise £5000 to produce this show. This is a wonderful effort by a very bright young lad and having been guests at his last show we would recommend you try and attend.

Club Members at the 2006 AGM

Andy Lenaghan with Roy Pine and the late Stuart Raven with the new Minibus.

Hayling Island Businessmen's Club Report February 1987

The Doug Broughton Cup for the member who did most for Hayling Island Businessmen’s Club in 1986 was awarded to Pat Keane. The cup was awarded at the Club’s 23rd annual meeting held at the Buccaneer’s Tavern. There were several nominations for the Wooden Spoon Award for the “biggest stirrer” of 1986 and a ballot resulted in Ray Silvester as the winner. He received the award with good grace and said he hoped to retain it for another year!

Hayling Island Businessmen’s Club Report - 1967

The Club went from strength to strength during its first 3 years. A report from 1967 shows that an average of £700 a year was raised by members and spent on the welfare of the needy in Hayling. A new Chairman was elected by the members each year and the outgoing Chairman presented with an engraved pewter tankard. The first three Chairmen were Bob Green, Alec Brennan and Will Venton in that order. Throughout this period the Club arranged regular coach outings to beauty spots and continued to support the annual holiday of some twenty needy people to enjoy a week on the Isle of Wight among other places.

Hayling Island Businessmen’s Club Report – July 1965

On 28th July 1965 the Club presented a Donkeyramaheld at Manor Farm Hayling Island. Entrance including race card and programme was one shilling (5p) with the lucky programme holder winning two weeks for a family early in 1966 at the Silver Sands Holiday Camp. Photographs of Club Chairman Bob Green and the winning donkey were subsequently on sale by local photographer Paul G Collier at two shillings and sixpence (12.5p) each. All proceeds went to Club charities which assist the “Old People of Hayling Island”

47 years later donkeys have been replaced by pigs!

JC

Hayling Island Businessmen’s Club Report – May/June 1965

Chairman Alec Brennan reported to members that the raising of sufficient funds were proving to be a major task but nevertheless it had been possible to provide a large rocking horse for the use of children staying at Orchard House. It was also reported that volunteer bus drivers had been paying for tea for 20 elderly folk out of their own pockets when driving on day trips. Whilst highly commendable it was declared that this practice must stop! and the Club would provide the teas in future.

Hayling Island Businessmen's Club Report - 1965

It was reported by the Club's former chairman Bob Green that a letter had been received from Mr G Lawrence, the principle of Broadview House School in Beach Road, Hayling. The Letter asked if the club would like to organise a party of old people to attend a matinee performance of the school's pantomime at the reduced price of 1 shilling per head. A subsequent invoice for £2.1s.0d confirmed that 41 people had attended.

{Apologies to readers born after 1971 -JC}

Hayling Island Businessmen’s Club Report – January 1965

Club member, Les Hedger reported a family in need (he was already supplying vegetables of his own for free). The father had recently had his leg amputated and although determined to return to work soon to support his family this seemed medically doubtful. The Club agreed to take over the hire charges of the family’s television set and authorised Les Hedger to buy whatever was needed. This included a birthday party dress for the family’s young daughter. Les reported that the “gratitude of the father was unbelievable”

Hayling Island Businessmen’s Club Report – December 1964

Plans were well underway for provision of OLD PEOPLES HOLIDAYS the report reads:

Details of our financial commitments are now available and the total sum involved is £88.10s. with several other fund raising schemes are underway. Chairman, Will Venton, mentioned again the need for making the forthcoming Jumble Sale an absolute bumper affair. Storage facilities for clothing, furniture, nick-nacks and “what have you” are available at Bob Green’s store in West Town. There is no report of the outcome.

From a Jumble Sale in 1964 to a Christmas Fayre stall in 2012 – nothing changes! JC

Hayling Island Businessmen’s Club Report – December 1964

The Treasurer reported that the Club had cash at the Bank of £73.18s 6d and held Defence Bonds of £300. During the month the Club had made available the services of a chiropodist to several needy senior citizens at a cost of 2/6d per person. It was anticipated that 12 persons per month would use the service. The Club had also provided a screen at Eastoke Community Hut to enable old folks to remove their stockings in privacy!

Hayling Island Businessmen's Club Report - October 1964

At a luncheon meeting in October 1964, Committee members agreed that during the winter months, members should all keep an eye open for exceptional hardship among the elderly and infirm of the Island, with particular reference to the provision of sufficient heating in bad weather. It was arranged that Christmas parcels would be sent to two groups, the over 90s and the needy. The Committee anticipated spending between 40 and 45 for providing coal and paraffin to these two groups.

Hayling Island Businessmen’s Club Report - September 1964

First Old Folks Holiday Took Place - 15 elderly folk for a weeks holiday in Swanage. Volunteer drivers and stewards were appointed and Alec Brennen as doctor in charge.

Eight TV sets now installed for needy people and arrangements made for licences and maintenance.

The welfare committee chairman reported the Club’s first outright gift, £20 from Mrs Hill of Grotto House, Sea Front for the holiday scheme pocket money. Mrs Hill also offered to provide a coach and tickets for up to 30 people to visit the pantomime in Portsmouth. A generous gesture greatly appreciated.

Hayling Island Businessmen’s Club Report July 1964

Nothing is more unlikely than one of our members should pay his annual membership twice. In these austere times, the mind boggles at the very thought. BUT IT HAPPENED. On 14th July 1964, the Rev John Beaumont paid his subscription of 3 pounds 10 shillings by bankers order. On the 16th of the same month in response to an appeal from the treasurer he paid it again, this time by cheque. You’d never believe the difficulty we all had in persuading a reluctant treasurer, Douglas Whitfield, to part with the surplus sub.

Hayling Island Businessmen’s Club Report May 14th1964

In the Newsletter dated 14th May 1964, Club secretary, Douglas Whitfield, welcomed five new members, Colin Peet, Jim Poore, Les Hedger, Harry Appleyard and William Wall. Such was the local enthusiasm for the recently formed Club, the Committee decided that it would be an appropriate time to “pause for a while” and for this reason no new memberships would be considered until after September 1964.

How times have changed!!

JC

Hayling Island Businessmen's Club Report April 23rd 1964

The first Luncheon Meeting of the Club was held at the West Town Hotel with an attendance of 21. Many members came forward with ideas, Cecil Walker offered to provide a television set for mentally handicapped children at Orchid Close. Phil Clarke offered free tickets on his Merry go Round for these same children on one or two days a week. Seven members offered themselves as drivers for the old folks bus, others agreed to use their own cars for hospital visiting. It was agreed that 10 elderly people in need of a holiday should be sponsored on a one week trip to Swanage. Among those attending the meeting were founder members Bob Green,Alec Brenan, Eddie Gay, John Harries, Phil Venton as well as the aforementioned Cecil Walker and Phil Clarke.

Hayling Island Businessmen's Club Report February 1964

It was reported that the Club had taken 26 very elderly folk to the Pantomime in Portsmouth. On arriving home at Hayling Island a count revealed that we had brought back 28. The two “extra” old ladies had no idea they were on the wrong coach and neither did our “own” 26. The “extras” were duly returned to Portsmouth, put aboard their correct coach (which was still waiting for them) and were apparently none the worse for their adventure and unexpected chat with strangers.